What books should I be reading with my child?
Finding books to read with a first grader is sometimes a very challenging task! Kids tend to pick out books that are too difficult and they have to 'read the pictures'. While this is fine sometimes and encourages them to pursue their interests, we do need them to spend quality time reading more 'just right' books.
Reading Strategies...
When you are reading with your child, use these reading strategies and questions. They will help your child figure out an unkown word or find and fix a mistake. Try to resist just telling your child the correct word.
A Good Reader:
1. Uses his eyes or finger to make it match.
2. Looks at the pictures.
3. Gets his mouth ready.
4. Asks: Does it look right?
Does it sound right?
Does it make sense?
5. Starts over to fix it up or check it?
A quick note on fluency, expression and comprehension...
Fluency refers to the speed your child reads. In first grade we are looking for about 60 words per minute. You may want to occasionally watch the clock to check but the important thing is that the reading flows and is not too robotic or rushed. Again, we are looking for 'just right'. A great way to practice fluency is to re-read easier books focusing on fluency.
Encourage your child to use expression in their reading to reflect emotion and to observe puctuation. Both of these help to convey the meaning of the story and help comprehension. Don't be afraid to be silly and dramatic when reading aloud to your child...use silly voices for the characters, be overly sad/happy, etc. Have fun!
Comprehension is when your child understands and can recall what happens in the story. During and after reading, be sure and ask your child what is happening (or going to happen). Here are some questions you can use:
Who was this story about (characters)?
Where did the story take place (setting)?
What was the problem in the story and how was it solved?
Tell me what happened in this story.
What did this story make you think of?
What do you think will happen on the next page?
What was your favorite part? Why?
Use the chart below to determine where to start. Check you conference report or ask your child what number book they are reading in class. Send me a quick note or e-mail if you are still not sure.
Reading Strategies...
When you are reading with your child, use these reading strategies and questions. They will help your child figure out an unkown word or find and fix a mistake. Try to resist just telling your child the correct word.
A Good Reader:
1. Uses his eyes or finger to make it match.
2. Looks at the pictures.
3. Gets his mouth ready.
4. Asks: Does it look right?
Does it sound right?
Does it make sense?
5. Starts over to fix it up or check it?
A quick note on fluency, expression and comprehension...
Fluency refers to the speed your child reads. In first grade we are looking for about 60 words per minute. You may want to occasionally watch the clock to check but the important thing is that the reading flows and is not too robotic or rushed. Again, we are looking for 'just right'. A great way to practice fluency is to re-read easier books focusing on fluency.
Encourage your child to use expression in their reading to reflect emotion and to observe puctuation. Both of these help to convey the meaning of the story and help comprehension. Don't be afraid to be silly and dramatic when reading aloud to your child...use silly voices for the characters, be overly sad/happy, etc. Have fun!
Comprehension is when your child understands and can recall what happens in the story. During and after reading, be sure and ask your child what is happening (or going to happen). Here are some questions you can use:
Who was this story about (characters)?
Where did the story take place (setting)?
What was the problem in the story and how was it solved?
Tell me what happened in this story.
What did this story make you think of?
What do you think will happen on the next page?
What was your favorite part? Why?
Use the chart below to determine where to start. Check you conference report or ask your child what number book they are reading in class. Send me a quick note or e-mail if you are still not sure.
level_5__6.doc | |
File Size: | 34 kb |
File Type: | doc |
level_7__8.doc | |
File Size: | 31 kb |
File Type: | doc |
level_9__10.doc | |
File Size: | 38 kb |
File Type: | doc |
level_11__12.doc | |
File Size: | 38 kb |
File Type: | doc |
level_13__14.doc | |
File Size: | 34 kb |
File Type: | doc |
level_16.doc | |
File Size: | 50 kb |
File Type: | doc |
level_18.doc | |
File Size: | 84 kb |
File Type: | doc |
level_20.doc | |
File Size: | 91 kb |
File Type: | doc |
level_24.doc | |
File Size: | 115 kb |
File Type: | doc |
level_28.doc | |
File Size: | 141 kb |
File Type: | doc |
level_30.doc | |
File Size: | 97 kb |
File Type: | doc |